Sure, pumpkin and pecan pies are holiday staples, but there’s a world of cozy, creative sweets that can make your Thanksgiving table unforgettable. From maple pecan blondies to pumpkin tiramisu, these ten easy desserts are simple to make, easy to share, and filled with seasonal flavor.
1. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
All the creamy pumpkin flavor you love, layered over a buttery graham cracker crust. These pumpkin cheesecake bars combine the richness of cheesecake with the cozy spices of pumpkin pie. Perfect for baking ahead and slicing into neat squares for your dessert spread.
2. Apple Crisp
Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a golden, crunchy oat crumble. This cozy dessert tastes like fall in a bowl. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving finale that captures classic apple-pie flavor without the crust.
3. Maple Pecan Blondies
A sweet twist on the classic bar dessert, these maple pecan blondies are packed with nutty pecans and rich maple syrup in every chewy bite. They’re simple to bake, travel well, and deliver that warm, caramelized flavor that feels like fall.
4. Cranberry Orange Bread
Bright, tangy, and festive, this cranberry orange bread adds a burst of flavor (and color) to your holiday table. It’s great for dessert or as a breakfast treat the morning after Thanksgiving. Add a light orange glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
5. Salted Caramel Bread Pudding
Comfort food at its finest! Use day-old bread, pour over a warm custard, bake until golden, then drizzle with caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt. The result? A rich, gooey dessert that feels indulgent yet homey, the perfect cozy bite after Thanksgiving dinner.
6. Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
All the flavors of Thanksgiving, but portable and adorable. These sweet potato cupcakes are soft, spiced, and topped with a creamy frosting that pairs perfectly with the earthy sweetness of the cake. They’re fun to decorate and great for sharing with guests.
7. Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles
A no-bake dessert that’s rich, easy, and absolutely delicious. Made with crushed cookies, pumpkin purée, and melted chocolate, these truffles are bite-sized perfection. They store beautifully in the fridge, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for busy holiday hosts.
8. Apple Cider Donuts
Soft, cinnamon-coated donuts that are bursting with apple flavor, perfect for dipping in warm cider or coffee. These nostalgic fall treats double as breakfast or dessert, and they’ll fill your kitchen with that cozy, orchard-fresh aroma everyone loves.
9. Caramel Apple Nachos
A quick, fun, and family-friendly dessert! Slice apples thin, drizzle with caramel sauce, then top with nuts, chocolate chips, or crushed pretzels for a crunchy, sweet snack. It’s a lighter, shareable option that still delivers classic fall flavor.
10. Pumpkin Tiramisu
Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, pumpkin cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder make this pumpkin tiramisu a standout. It’s an elegant twist on the classic Italian dessert. Light, flavorful, and easy to prep ahead for stress-free entertaining.
From Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars to Apple Crisp, these desserts prove there’s more to Thanksgiving sweets than just pie. Try a new favorite, share it with friends, and make this season even sweeter. For more cozy holiday inspiration, check out our latest posts on the Foshee Residential Blog.